Got a '04 RX8 and been loving it for about a week. It has 29k miles on it and this morning it wouldn't start. The power steering malfunction light is on. I was told that the car should still be drivable, just more difficult to steer without that electric power steering. Anyone know what exactly may be going on? Any idea about what kind of work/money i'm looking at to get it fixed? Thanks

Salty

 

I wouldn't know what is wrong with it but I do know it should be covered under warranty and not cost you a thing to get it fixed.

 

Try disconnecting your negative battery terminal and reset your ECU , this hopefully will get rid of your problem .

B...free
michael

 

Tried disconnecting the neg terminal and that didn't work. All of the fuses are fine, inside and out. Am I missing something? I know the RX8 uses an electric power steering system, but shouldn't I be able to start the car and drive without power steering? It's the PS light that comes on but the car isn't even turning over, could it be something else?

Thanks

 

If the car won't start, there is something else wrong. Does the engine begin to crank? or does it not even crank?

 

it doesn't turn over at all, no

 

Then its probably the battery. This happened to me when my battery was on its last leg. If you can get to an AutoZone or call AAA try to get a new one to install.

 

thanks, didn't think it was the battery cuz all the elec systems work in the car, i have lights, stereo, annoying little dings, all that good stuff.

 

Ok, I have a problem with my power steering,Somebody recomend me verify the wiring hardness,others a sensor on the radiator support... BUT THE PROBLEM IT`S THE GEAR STEERING, MY CAR IS IN THE DEALER WAITING FOR THE RACK AND PINION THIS IS THE PROBLEM, THE WARANTY PAID FOR THAT. IF YOU HAVE NOT WARANTY UFFF... HERE IN PR IT`S AROUND $2,500.00

 

They change first the power steering module ,the wiring hardness ,and other parts ... go to the dealer and they fix the problem I think that.... I`m waiting for my car.

 

got it towed to the dealer, i'll let you all know what was up

thanks

 

Maybe you don't have power steering because the car hasn't started. I would think that not starting was a bigger issue than steering.
--R.

 

interesting point. turns out i just don't know a damned thing about cars. i guess the previous owner had an alarm in the thing that he ripped out prior to selling it. he never told me about it and relayed the wires so it would work*. anyway since the alarm was after market my warranty does not cover it. that's ok only cost about $500.

thanks for all the input.

Salty

* "work" is a completely BS term in this context.